POTTSVILLE — Pottsville Elementary School welcomed guests including parents, police officers, firefighters, members of the military and other public servants at its 12th annual “Proud to be an American Day.”

The school hosted a parade at 1 p.m. Thursday to honor public servants and celebrate national pride.

Students dressed in patriotic costumes — police officers, firefighters, soldiers, Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty — pushed wagons decorated in red, white and blue and waved American flags while circling the walking track around the playground.

Other children held signs with patriotic messages and chanted “U-S-A” as they made their way around the path.

Principal Shannon Davis said the event reinforces to the children an appreciation of freedom.

“We’re honoring those who served our country, who make it the best it can be,” he said. “All too often, we take it for granted. This is a way to express gratitude, it’s a way to teach the kids that it’s not just our liberties and freedom that it’s important, but also the people who sacrifice for those liberties and freedom.”

Davis said he was pleased with the turnout. Despite the afternoon heat, more than 50 guests attended the parade.

After the students all had a chance to walk in the parade a few rounds, they released hundreds of red, white and blue balloons to end the parade.

Kindergarten teacher Traci Barton conceived the event in the weeks following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 and because it was such a hit, the school decided to make it an annual event.

Scotty Manning, whose two children attend Pottsville Elementary, attended Thursday’s parade and said it was an important teaching tool.

“Events like this show kids to respect our military and officers,” he said. “It teaches them the importance of freedom.”